Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells' DNA and destroy their ability to divide and grow. It is delivered using linear accelerators, proton accelerators, metered cobalt-60 exposure, or brachytherapy where radioactive seeds are placed inside the patient on a temporary or permanent basis to kill cancer or relieve pain. The main radiation oncology society and annual conference is the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).

Imaging may be misleading when determining the success of cancer treatment
A new analysis calls into question the use of imaging alone to determine the efficacy of ablative radiation therapy.
Prostate cancer radiotherapy timeline can be safely shortened
Isodose moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy allows patients to undergo just 4-5 weeks of treatment, compared to conventional therapy that can take around 8.
Simple CT metric predicts treatment-induced kidney impairment in prostate cancer patients
Though effective, Lu-177 radioligland therapy is not without side effects, some of which can be severe.
Tiny 'water bears' may hold key to reducing radiation-induced side effects
These animals are virtually indestructible and have long outlived the dinosaurs due to their ability to withstand extreme cold, heat, natural disasters and even cosmic radiation.
Orano Med breaks ground on $265M thorium production site
The new 7,000-square-meter plant is located in France and will begin production of thorium-228, necessary for the development of isotopes used in cancer treatments.

Radiation therapy more likely to cause second primary cancer in prostate cancer patients

The authors stated that their results should not deter providers from offering their patients radiotherapy treatment but rather encourage in-depth discussions and shared decisions pertaining to the best options.

FDA grants IDE clearance for next-phase trial of ‘Flash’ radiation therapy

A cancer-care technology company that was acquired by one of the world’s largest imaging OEMs a year ago has received an Investigational Device Exemption from the FDA.

Preoperative PET/CT imaging linked with better survival in advanced lung cancer

PET/CT imaging in these patients increases overall survival depending on the cancer’s stage, with those diagnosed with stage 3A and 3B NSCLC appearing to benefit the most from the exam.

Radiomic model predicts radiotherapy outcomes for patients with brain metastases

The model performed well in assessing treatment responses, but experts explained that one of the most beneficial aspects of their model was that its results are interpretable in a “clinician-friendly way.”

Targeted radionuclide alpha therapy study wins SNMMI's Abstract of the Year

The study touts the benefits of targeted radionuclide alpha therapy for patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) who have not had success with other treatments.

High-intensity focused ultrasound effectively treats PCA, reduces side effects

Men with prostate cancer can avoid many of the unpleasant side effects of chemo, surgery and radiation therapy when they are treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound instead.

PSMA PET mapping improves radiation therapy contouring after PCA recurrence

Salvage radiation therapy guidelines for patients with prostate cancer recurrence need to be updated to include findings identified on PSMA PET, according to new research shared at SNMMI’s annual conference this week.

First ever full course of the latest MR-guided radiation therapy treatments completed at Henry Ford Health

The Detroit-based cancer institute achieved this landmark moment using the MRIdian A3i, which is the latest enhancement of the MRIdian system from ViewRay, Inc.

Radiation Oncology

Imaging may be misleading when determining the success of cancer treatment

Prostate cancer radiotherapy timeline can be safely shortened

Simple CT metric predicts treatment-induced kidney impairment in prostate cancer patients

Tiny 'water bears' may hold key to reducing radiation-induced side effects

Orano Med breaks ground on $265M thorium production site